Message from the President

Dear friends,

Welcome to the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries. For more than 15 years the Foundation has supported a wide variety or programs administered through the Monterey County Free Libraries. Our mission is to improve literacy and provide equal access to information for all Monterey County residents, and we fulfill this mission in large part by the generous support of Monterey County residents. Since 1989 we have raised and donated more than $2.5 million to support the Monterey County Free Libraries. We are grateful for all of our supporters. Together we are offering the gift of reading to every child and family in Monterey County.

  Sincerely,
  Gail Delorey, President

2007 Annual Dinner Photo Gallery

2008 Annual Dinner Photo Gallery

Tangible Results

• The 2008-2009 school year for homework centers had a total attendance from first grade to twelfth grade of 20,681 ~ up from 14,215 during the previous year. This represents a one-year increase of 45%.
• Summer reading programs served nearly 7,500 children and young adults at the 17 branch Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) in 2009. These programs provide year-round encouragement for youngsters to read and achieve success in school.
• Number of performances designed to introduce children to the arts, to library resources and to early and ongoing literacy preparedness each year: Nearly 100
• Total amount donated by the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries to local literacy programs since 1989: In excess of $2.5 million

Literacy facts for Monterey County:

• 11% of adults are not literate in any language
• 25% of adults read below 4th grade level & 68% have completed high school
• 55% of adults seeking services say their inability to speak English is a barrier
• 46% of children enter kindergarten without the necessary pre-academic skills